Improving Engagement for Young Latinos with First-Episode Psychosis
Optimizing Engagement in Services for First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) in the Community Mental Health Setting
This study is testing if a special 12-session program can help young Latino adults with first-episode psychosis engage better with mental health services and improve their quality of life compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 58 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | California State University, San Bernardino Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Granada Hills, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05310838 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares a 12-session behavioral activation intervention tailored for first-episode psychosis to standard community mental health care over a 6-month period, specifically targeting Latino individuals aged 15 to 35. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the behavioral activation group or the treatment-as-usual group, with both groups receiving family support sessions. The primary goal is to determine if the behavioral activation approach enhances engagement in mental health services and improves quality of life, symptoms, and recovery outcomes compared to standard care. Assessments will be conducted at multiple time points to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Latino individuals aged 15 to 35 diagnosed with various forms of psychotic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with psychotic disorders due to medical conditions or substance use, or those who are more than three years post-onset, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve engagement and outcomes for Latino patients experiencing first-episode psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using behavioral activation for mental health engagement, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self-identification as Latino * Age 15 to 35 * Diagnostic \& Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, brief psychotic disorder, other specified schizophrenia spectrum, affective psychosis, and other psychotic disorder criteria * Ability to speak English or Spanish * Caregiver willing to consent to participate in the study and care * Ability to provide fully informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of psychotic disorder due to another medical condition or substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder * Presence of a serious medical condition * 3≤ years after the onset
Where this trial is running
Granada Hills, California and 1 other locations
- San Fernando Mental Health Center — Granada Hills, California, United States (Recruiting)
- Olive View - UCLA Medical Center — Sylmar, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria Santos, PhD — California State University, San Bernardino
- Study coordinator: Maria Santos, PhD
- Email: Maria.Santos@csusb.edu
- Phone: 909-537-4507
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.